Beef with vegetables in sweet and sour sauce

Beef with vegetables in sweet and sour sauce is a delicious and vibrant dish that combines savory beef with a tangy, sweet sauce and crisp vegetables. Here’s a recipe to help you prepare it:

Ingredients:

For the Beef:

• 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

For the Vegetables:

• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 medium carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (or honey)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon pineapple juice (optional, if using canned pineapple)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Beef:

1. Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, combine the beef slices with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well to coat the beef. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.

2. Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

1. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), pineapple juice (if using), water, and cornstarch until smooth. Set the sauce aside.

3. Stir-fry the Beef:

1. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

4. Stir-fry the Vegetables:

1. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Stir-fry the sliced bell pepper, onion, and carrots for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but still have a slight crunch.
2. Add Zucchini and Garlic: Add the zucchini and minced garlic, stir-frying for another 2 minutes. Add the pineapple chunks and cook for 1 more minute.

5. Combine and Cook with Sauce:

1. Add the Sauce: Pour the sweet and sour sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Bring it to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes).
2. Return the Beef: Add the cooked beef back into the skillet and toss everything together until the beef and vegetables are well-coated with the sauce.

6. Serve:

• Serve the beef and vegetables in sweet and sour sauce over steamed rice or noodles.
• Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired.

Enjoy your beef with vegetables in a tangy, sweet, and sour sauce! It's a perfect balance of flavors with tender beef and crisp vegetables.